National Conference of Christians and Jews

National Conference of Christians and Jews. Founded in 1928, it emerged as a direct response to the pervasive religious bigotry and sectarian strife, particularly the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan and anti-Catholicism evident during the 1928 United States presidential election. Established by prominent leaders including industrialist Roger Williams Straus, Cardinal Patrick Joseph Hayes, and Federal Council of Churches representative S. Parkes Cadman, its core mission was to promote understanding and cooperation among Protestants, Catholics, and Jews through dialogue and community action. The organization played a significant role in American interfaith efforts throughout the 20th century, later evolving into the National Conference for Community and Justice.

History

The impetus for its creation followed the intensely divisive 1928 United States presidential election, where Democratic candidate Al Smith, a Roman Catholic, faced vicious anti-Catholic sentiment. In this climate, leaders like Newton D. Baker, Jane Addams, and Benjamin N. Cardozo convened to address interreligious conflict. Officially launched in 1928 with support from the Federal Council of Churches, the National Catholic Welfare Conference, and the Central Conference of American Rabbis, it pioneered the "Trio" model—a Protestant, a Catholic, and a Jew speaking together at public events. During World War II, it worked with the War Department to foster tolerance among troops and later addressed tensions from the Great Migration and the Red Scare. Its work expanded through the Civil Rights Movement, responding to events like the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr..

Mission and activities

Its fundamental mission was to combat prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping by fostering dialogue and collaboration among America's three major faith traditions. Central to its activities was the "Trio" program, which deployed teams of clergy to communities nationwide. It organized annual Brotherhood Week celebrations, endorsed by figures like President Harry S. Truman, and developed extensive human relations training for schools, corporations, and municipal governments. The organization conducted seminal research on intergroup relations, published educational materials, and provided conflict mediation in cities experiencing racial or religious strife, such as during the Detroit race riot of 1943.

Organizational structure

Headquartered in New York City, it operated through a network of regional offices across the United States, including major chapters in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Boston. Governance was provided by a National Board comprising leaders from business, academia, and religious life, such as Louise Waterman Wise and John J. McCloy. A key structural feature was its National Cabinet, which included representatives from the Federal Council of Churches, the National Catholic Welfare Conference, and the Synagogue Council of America. This federated model allowed local chapters, like those in Cleveland or Atlanta, to tailor programs such as Youth Conferences to regional needs while adhering to the national mission.

Notable programs and initiatives

Its flagship initiative was the nationwide Brotherhood Week, launched in 1934 and later recognized by proclamations from Dwight D. Eisenhower. The Trio program reached thousands of communities, featuring speakers like Eleanor Roosevelt and Mordecai Kaplan. The National Institutes brought leaders to locations like Mackinac Island for intensive dialogue. For youth, it created the Brotherhood/Sisterhood Camp and Anytown, USA, residential programs promoting diversity leadership. In the corporate sphere, it partnered with entities like IBM and General Motors on workplace inclusivity training. Following the 1968 assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, it launched urgent community dialogues.

Impact and legacy

The organization significantly shaped the American discourse on pluralism and religious liberty, providing a structured interfaith model during crises like World War II and the Civil Rights Movement. Its advocacy and educational materials influenced policies within the United States Armed Forces and public school systems. Its community mediation efforts helped ease tensions in numerous cities. In 1998, reflecting an expanded commitment to addressing all forms of bias—including those based on race, gender, and sexual orientation—it changed its name to the National Conference for Community and Justice. This legacy institution continues its work, while the original archives are held at the Social Welfare History Archives at the University of Minnesota.

Category:Interfaith organizations in the United States Category:Organizations established in 1928 Category:Religious organizations based in New York City